Virginia Tech students envision Pulaski’s future

West Main Street Development, LLC. (WMSD) has joined forces with Virginia Tech to create architectural visions to breathe new life in the Town of Pulaski’s downtown area.

A reception was held Wednesday afternoon at the Tye Kirkner house on 132 Third St. NW to showcase the work done by VT architecture students envisioning new designs for downtown buildings. The Tye Kirkner house, which was turned into a bed and breakfast just days before being condemned in March, is a testament to WMSD’s mission, according to Steven Critchfield with WMSD.

“What we’re trying to do, from West Main’s side, is to start doing things like this to get the dialogue started on what Pulaski can be,” said Critchfield. “The main thing we want is to start revitalizing downtown.”

Critchfield went on to say that WSMD is already working on rehabbing older downtown buildings for new purposes.

Currently, a group of eight to 12 people are working on bringing downtown back, the first of which was Cathy Stripling, who turned around the Tye Kirkner House. The next project WMSD will take on will be bringing in a New Orleans style café and coffee shop, Critchfield said.

At the reception, new architectural designs from 17 VT students were displayed for the public to view. Multiple town officials, including members from the Pulaski town council, came to view the work.

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2 Responses to Virginia Tech students envision Pulaski’s future

Finally….someone who cares to change this run down town! It will be long and hard process IM SURE, but I hope they can come up with new invintive ideas to get this town on its feet. Obviously the town leadership cannot.

I would love to see life brought back to Pulaski. I love the Pulaski of yesterday.

In the days of the 50’s and 60’s the merchants got together in the summer and sponsored free tickets for children to see ‘top’ movies at the theaters. elementary schools had free crafts and summer programs of fun things to do.

Times have changed. What the downtown needs is ‘tourist attractions.” Something big, like an aquarium or wax museum. Encourage street performers to sing, dance and juggle on the corners. If they have one big attractions others will build and buy near it. Follow the money. A Grand Ole Opera music house that would draw tourist and their ‘money.’